NEONATAL CALF DIARRHEA

Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD), also known as calf scours, is a common disease affecting the newborn calf. The most critical period is in the first few days following birth of the calf. Greatest losses occur when calves are kept in close confinement, where the opportunity for transmission of the causative agents of NCD is enhanced by their build-up in the environment. The diarrhea and other clinical signs seen with the disease are caused by the interaction of any of several possible infectious causes and predisposing factors such as lack of colostrum, failure to absorb colostral antibody, poor nutrition and environmental affects. NCD is a costly disease, with losses estimated to be over $250 million annually and death loss of up to 25% of the U.S. calf crop.